The firm that worked on the failed demolition of two Seaforth tower blocks has collapsed into administration – and now local residents face an anxious wait to see if they will get compensation.

J Bryan (Victoria), of Widnes, was hit by cash flow problems after the high-profile problems with the Mersey flats last year.

Churchill and Montgomery Houses were to be demolished on one day in April 2016 but were left standing after explosives failed to bring them down.

A second attempt brought down Churchill House two hours later but Montgomery House was left in an unstable condition for a week. Nearby residents being forced to move out until the block was finally demolished with a giant crane.

But the Widnes-based firm ceased trading on June 30 with the loss of 56 jobs. Patrick Lannagan and Conrad Pearson of accountancy firm Mazars have now been appointed administrators.

The ECHO has asked Mazars what the administration could mean for local residents’ compensation.

Joint administrator Patrick Lannagan said: “The company experienced cash-flow difficulties as a result of costs and losses incurred following the well-publicised issues with the demolition of tower blocks in Seaforth last year.

“This position was compounded in recent months as a result of a downturn in contracted work and, as a result, the director took the decision that the Company should enter administration.

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Montgomery House remains standing despite the best attempts of demolition teams, who returned to Seaforth this morning (Image: James Maloney)

“The administrators will now proceed with realising (selling) the company’s assets, including the company’s freehold premises in Halebank, Widnes , and welcome any interest that may be forthcoming in those.

“The administrators will be writing to all creditors, including the former employees, over the next few days with further details of the next steps in the process.”

Last month local residents told the ECHO about their anger over the demolition.

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Douglass Cox said: “I suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which was made worse by the all the dust for months afterwards. I think I must be due some kind of compensation.”

Lisa Wood, who lived opposite Montgomery House, said: “My daughter and I had to leave our home for around a week. The contractors paid for everything at the time, but I have heard nothing since. The dust was really really bad when we returned to our home. I know there has been talk about compensation but I have heard nothing.”

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In January a Health and Safety investigation revealed two hidden pipes filled with concrete were the reasons the initial demolition attempts on the towers failed.

In response, a spokesman for J Bryan said: “We have now been exonerated for the failure of the blow down of Montgomery and Churchill House on Sunday 24th April 2016. We would like to thank the local residents for their patience and understanding throughout the investigation period.”